Well, we hope you were able to get all your bbq’s, camping trips and swimming days in over the last few months. Because summer is coming to an end whether you like it or not. For most of us, that means cooler weather and nastier road conditions. Your car was good to you over the summer months, so now is the time to make sure it’s good to you over these coming cooler months. Here are a few tips to make sure you stay safe on the road, and to make sure your vehicle runs smoothly in all conditions.

1. Vehicle Inspection: Technicians will be able to inspect your vehicle and assess its exact needs. Often times they will perform checks and tests on fluids, batteries, belts, hoses, etc.
2. Tire Tread: This may be one of the most important maintenance tips to focus on. With adverse road conditions, your tires should preferably be in tip-top shape. This means your tire-tread should be at least 2/32″.
3. Windshield Wipers: For most of us, the coming months will be much wetter than the previous months. And since seeing out of your windshield is generally a pretty important part of safe driving, you are going to want to make sure your windshield wipers are up to the task of handling all the rain and snow coming your way. If your wiper blades are more than 6 months old, you may want to think about getting them replaced.
4. Fuel: Moisture can build up in your fuel pump and really create some problems. It is a good idea to add de-icer to your gas tank once a month to make sure moisture doesn’t freeze within your fuel line.
5. Lights: Driving at night in bad road conditions can be extremely unsafe. That’s why it’s important to make sure your vehicle’s lights are all in working order. Make sure all burned out bulbs are replaced and to clean any grime from lenses with a moist towel.
6. Emergencies: Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.

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Engines can overheat when they are being worked too hard, and other times they overheat because there is a problem with the cooling system. Summer weather can definitely contribute to the engine overheating so this is a great time to review before anything happens.
Keep reading to learn what to do in the event your engine shows sign of overheating and be prepared before you hit the road for any long trips.
Always have 1 spare gallon of coolant and 1 gallon of distilled water in your trunk.

Keep an eye on your temperature gauge while driving. It takes a little practice but is worth it since many people don’t notice until their car is overheating.

If the gauge rises, pull over when possible. If you see the temperature gauge rising or steam coming from under the hood, pull over, shut the vehicle off, and open the hood to allow the engine to cool off faster. However, if it’s unsafe or impossible to pull over, turn off your air conditioning and turn on your heat max hot and blower fan on high. This will cool the engine by pulling heat into the passenger compartment. Then, when conditions permit, pull over and turn the vehicle off.

1. Let the engine cool off before you do anything.
2. Check the radiator for leaks.
3. Refill antifreeze / coolant levels.
4. Check radiator and hoses for leaks, blockages or bursts.
5. Carefully monitor the temperature gauge.
6. Keep a safety kit in your car with food, water, coolant, flashlight, blankets.

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Summer makes for a great time to get out and enjoy what our state has to offer but that can also mean getting stuck in dreadful traffic. It’s like come on we just want to get to the beach already and have some fun in the sun. Clearly, road congestion can be a headache, but here are some fun ways to stay sane if you do find yourself stuck in gridlock.

1. Catch up on your reading:
Now we don’t mean reading an actual book, while driving, because that would be dangerous but more so Audio Books! I am sure you have all said, I wish I had more time to read and guess what this time stuck in a mess of cars makes it so you do!
2. Get Fit:
Yes we know what you’re thinking, how on earth do you work out sitting in a confined space such as your car? Focus on fixing your posture and doing a little stretching all while taking deep breaths in/out. Can you say stress relief and relaxation!?
3. Voice Memo:
Have things you need a reminder to do? Use the voice memo on your smart phone to take notes, create grocery lists for your weekend adventure and or set reminders for upcoming meetings & appointments etc.
4. Call friends or Family:
Let us not forget that our phones can be used for more than just texting and or taking pictures. Pass the time by calling a friend or family member to catch up and laugh it up, hands-free of course!
5. Learn a New Song:
What better way to pass the time by in traffic, than to rock out and learn a new song? Spend this extra time playing the song and learning the words. After all, every road trip needs a theme song!

Try not to think of yourself trapped, as you inch along and joggers are probably running faster than you but think of it as a time to reflect and maybe even goof off a little. After all, you are on your way to have some fun in the sun. So, take these tips and make the most out of that traffic jam you find yourself in.

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For many Cadillac owners, their Cadillac is a prized possession. It’s not just a car. It’s comfort and sophistication. It’s a class of vehicle that some drivers might not want to leave alone and will take extra care to park in the best spaces for one.  Now you don’t need to totally leave your Cadillac alone. The myCadillac mobile app allows you to monitor your vehicle from your phone. Keep reading to learn more.

What perks do you get with the myCadillac app?
• Set a parking reminder
• Send navigation destinations through the app to car
• Remotely control vehicle features like engine start/stop
• Control through vehicle monitoring and management
• Request roadside assistance
• View vehicle diagnostic information
• Check for recalls
How do I download?
• Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
• Log in to the app using your OnStar user ID and password

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You’re shopping for your next sporty ride and have so many options. Aside from engine performance, gas mileage and technology features there is one important choice to make. Do you go with the convertible or coupe? 4 doors or two?

We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to consider before you make a final choice.

Drivers may enjoy the experience of driving a coupe as they are usually more rigid than convertibles, owing to the fact that they have a full-on metal roof rather than a huge hole behind the top of the windshield where a convertible soft-top goes. The result of the extra rigidity is better handling, which is especially noticeable at a racetrack.

Coupes feature especially clean lines, mainly because a car is usually designed as a coupe first and a convertible second. Finally, coupes also tend to be cheaper than their convertible counterparts, with few exceptions.

On the other hand a coupe doesn’t offer that wind-in-your-hair feeling of joy and exhilaration that comes with a convertible.

The best thing about driving a convertible is the sheer fun factor. Sunny days are even better with the top down and your friends will love the driving experience as you sport around town. You can also hear the engine better in a convertible. 
The cons of owning a convertible is they are often priced higher than a coupe and the sunroof can malfunction.
Convertible tops aren’t known for their simple operation, and you could be looking at a big bill if yours breaks when you’re out of warranty.

Take your time deciding and either way the friendly team at Penske Cadillac of South Bay is here to help you decide.

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